China to enhance charitable donation supervision

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With China accounting for 64 of the world's 937 wealthiest people, according to Forbes, the issue of charity is starting to loom large over the world's second biggest economy. But in the wake of several scandals, the public's trust in charities is ebbing. So what is the government doing to improve this and is it doing enough to spread the wealth?

Xu Jianzhong, deputy director of Dept. of Social welfare & Charity Promotion, said, "Incidents like Guo Meimei and Shangde are the result of a lack of or of no transparency in charitable organizations. The government will enhance direct supervision over them."

According to Xu, the Ministry of Civil Affairs is soliciting public opinion on draft guidelines requiring charities and governments at all levels to disclose detailed information on donations. When implemented, the regulation will be the first of its kind for charities.

The move is welcomed by donors, though some say the regulation should have long been in place. Linda Wang, vice president of Overseas Chinese Economic & Cultural Foundation, said, “Donations are collected from the public, so its usage and result should be open to the public.”

Chen Guangbiao, philanthropist, said, “I agree with the move, though its only common practice. Regulations on charity will benefit its growth.”

While the government seems to be doing its part, people are enhancing their presence from the grassroots level. Xu Jianzhong says he believes the general trend is moving in the right direction. But what it takes might be a matter of time.

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